Yesterday we said so long and thank you to our Foundation Board Chair, Richard Hill. With his demonstrated commitment to community, Richard joined the First West Foundation board in 2015, initially serving as Vice-Chair. In 2019 he stepped into the role of Chair, after serving alongside co-founding director Peter Podovinikoff. We didn’t know it at the time, but Richard quickly became our built-in First West Foundation ambassador in every room he entered, showcasing the work of the Foundation at every opportunity. His passion for his community still powers his warm, thoughtful and strategic approach to governance, business and life. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership and for leaving a legacy of compassion and care for the communities we serve,” shared Susan Byrom, executive director of First West Foundation. “As you embark on your next adventure, we look forward to the exciting new chapters that await. It has been a tremendous pleasure,” she added. Thank you, Richard, for your legacy and leadership, for guiding us with unwavering dedication and for making a lasting impact on our Foundation and the communities we support. You will be missed!   Photo credit: Ladysmith Family and Friends Society Photo description: A group of four adults smiling, seated around a table with a young child held by one person, attending a tea party with wigs and props, in a child-care setting with children playing in the background.

From May 4–10, 2025, Chilliwack Hospice Society joins organizations across Canada in recognizing National Hospice Palliative Care Week — a time to honour the importance of palliative care and raise awareness about the many ways it supports individuals and families facing serious illness. Led by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), this year’s theme, “Palliative Care is for You,” underscores that palliative care can begin at any stage of a life-limiting illness and be delivered in a wide range of settings — including at home, in hospital, in long-term care, or in the community. It is whole-person care that helps manage symptoms, ease suffering, and provide emotional and spiritual support. At Chilliwack Hospice Society, palliative patient visitation plays a vital role in delivering this compassionate care. Specially trained volunteers and professional staff provide one-on-one companionship to individuals receiving palliative care — offering a comforting presence at Cascade Hospice Residence, Chilliwack General Hospital, Bradley Centre, in care facilities, at the Hospice Society, and in private homes. “Palliative care improves the quality of life by addressing the person as a whole — not just the illness,” says Candice Quesnel, Palliative Services Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “We are here to walk alongside people wherever they are in their journey. It’s never too early to consider palliative care. Our team provides comfort, support, and human connection every step of the way.” Chilliwack Hospice Society provides this program and many other palliative care support services at no cost and without the need for a referral. The organization is committed to ensuring individuals and families in Chilliwack and surrounding areas receive the care and support they need, when they need it most. To learn more about palliative care support, visit www.chilliwackhospice.org. Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

From now until July 31, we’ll donate $10 from every new BigSteelBox order to Habitat Canada, up to a total cash donation of $50,000! These funds will go directly towards helping Habitat for Humanity build safe and affordable homes for Canadian families in need. Learn more: https://www.bigsteelbox.com/habitat-for-humanity-partnership/

It’s National Volunteer Week and today we are continuing the celebration and outstanding community leadership of our team member, Teesha! Teesha is incredibly generous with her time and talents, contributing to various organizations. She delivers soup to elementary school children every month, enjoys a weekly dog-walk and play date with the pups, and regularly donates blood. As a recipient of a Lead Well award – our social vision program celebrating volunteer leadership – Teesha donated $1,000 to Abbotsford BC SPCA. Teesha found her beautiful pup, Daisy, at an SPCA is 2008 and had her for 14 years. Not quite ready for a new pup, Teesha shares how “helping at the SPCA has been an amazing way to spend time with pups before they find their furever homes.” Sarah from the Abbotsford BC SPCA expressed their gratitude of Teesha, sharing, “On behalf of all of us at the Abbotsford BC SPCA, thank you so much for keeping the welfare of vulnerable animals in your heart and mind. On behalf of all your friends – both two-legged and four – at the BC SPCA, we are deeply grateful!" Thank you, Teesha, for your impactful contributions and for making a difference in your community. You inspire us all!

As you may have heard, we’re celebrating National Volunteer Week! And as the philanthropic partner of First West Credit Union, we are thrilled to shout-out volunteering across all our divisions: Enderby & District Financial, a division of First West CU, Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union, and Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union. We believe in the power of giving back to our communities and during National Volunteer Week we celebrate the enormous contributions of our team members, who generously dedicate their time and talents to help communities flourish. In 2024, team members logged an impressive 6,831 hours – with 5,078 of those hours completed on their own time.   Our commitment to community leadership is part of our social vision, Lead Well, encouraging team members to engage in a broad range of community impact initiatives. Did you know? All team members can access paid time off to volunteer, partner with local charities and build long-lasting relationships.   Lead Well Champions are big volunteers, too! They are a home-grown, built-in cheering squad for our local Signature Cause programs, Feed the Valley & The Full Cupboard, raising food, funds and awareness for local food banks, from the inside out.   As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we thank our amazing volunteers for their commitment and care. Together, they are making a positive impact and helping communities flourish. Join us and be the change you wish to see in your community. Together, we're leading well!